Bradleys Head Walk

The walk around Bradleys Head is packed with great views and cultural heritage. The views over Sydney Harbour can be enjoyed from many vantage points. There are a number of places of historic significance, including HMAS Sydney’s Mast and Athol Hall. Athol Hall has a wonderful, grassed lawn with excellent views over the city, a great place for a coffee or picnic.

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast

The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney’s decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for ‘Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat’[2]. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.
More info.

(0km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Athol Hall

740 m

18 mins

49m

-31m

Moderate track

From the intersection, this walk heads to the end of the car park, with Sydney Harbour to the left. The walk continues to the intersection with Bradleys Head amphitheatre.Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside, with the amphitheatre and harbour on the left, for approximately 10m to the intersection signposted as the way to ‘Cannons Picnic Area’.Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads around the hillside, keeping the water below on the left. After a few hundred meters, there is a seat overlooking Sydney Harbour. This walk continues around for another 400m, undulating with the boardwalk, to meet the signposted stairs to ‘Athol Hall’.Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Athol Hall’ up the stairs, crossing a large grassy area. The walk then continues up to Athol Hall entrance.

Athol Hall

Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800’s. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm. More info.

(0.74km) Athol Hall → Athol Hall car park

100 m

2 mins

5m

0m

Easy track

Turn left: From the entrance to Athol Hall, this walk heads up the hill, with the views of Sydney Harbour on the left. The walk continues up the road, where it crosses to the parking toll booth.

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the main tracks winding into the bush. The track winds past two white benches, to a small rock shelf overlooking the water. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Bradleys Head’ sign along the hillside, keeping the water glimpses to your left. After about 600m this track leads to a boardwalk which then leads to a road. Here the walk turns left to follow the footpath down the hill for about 150m, to the clearing with the HMAS Sydney’s mast, a car park and toilets.

Maps for the Bradleys Head Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhw
Forecast snapshot